Why Strathclyde?Newton Flight Academy
First UK Newton Flight Academy
Strathclyde is proud to be a partner in the launch of the first Newton Flight Academy to open in the UK.
Housed at Glasgow Science Centre, the Newton Flight Academy will be a permanent classroom used to teach students aviation-related STEM concepts; inspiring engineers and scientists of tomorrow to develop the ideas and technologies that will shape the future of more sustainable aircraft and aviation.
Developed in partnership with FIRST Scandinavia, made possible through an investment from Boeing, and supported by University of Strathclyde and Mathworks, the academy hosts three full-motion flight simulators. The academy will work in close partnership with the Science Skills Academy in the Highlands and Islands, which has been operating Newton Rooms since 2019.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those in attendance at the launch of the academy at Glasgow Science Centre. Watch our launch evening video below:
Inspiring future engineers & scientists
Having enjoyed a tour of the new facility - and trying out one of the new simulators to take a virtual flight around Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Less than six months ago, the world came together in Glasgow to re-affirm the pledge to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
"Decarbonising air travel is essential to keeping that commitment alive, and I have no doubt the future engineers and scientists inspired through this academy will have an important role in addressing that challenge.
"It’s a credit to the work of the Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland’s expertise in aerospace and aviation manufacturing, and our world-leading institutions that this site was selected as the UK’s first Newton Flight Academy, and I am delighted to be here to help launch it today."
Science, engineering, technology and innovation are at the heart of building a sustainable future and tackling global challenges. We urgently need more young people to take up education, training and careers in these areas as it offers them exciting and rewarding opportunities.
Inventiveness is the key to engaging future generations and the Newton Flight Academy is an exceptional example of a project that is leading-edge, creative and hands-on.
I am delighted that we can help bring ideas and technologies around sustainable aviation closer to our community of young learners by continuing to build on our partnerships with Glasgow Science Centre and Boeing.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal, University of Strathclyde
Practical learning
Originally developed in Norway, the Newton Concept aims to provide high-quality and unique learning experiences for young people all over the world. With nearly 50 Newton Rooms operating today, students are gaining the 21st-century skills they need through curriculum-based practical learning, with this new development at the Glasgow Science Centre one of only two Newton Flight Academies worldwide with the other based in Norway.
